Tuesday, October 9, 2018

5 Self-care Skills You Need to Know

Are you on mental overload, and have worries or fear? When you feel overwhelmed, it can prevent you from being effective in your career, diminishes creativity, and saps the enjoyment out of what you do. I know from past experience, some days it's hard to maintain optimism, when I don’t even want to roll out of bed.That's why I suggest to restore a positive outlook in a world that may seem to be filled with negative hype, challenge yourself.The 5 self-care skills I describe—have proven to be emotional/mental health lifesavers, and are well worth the effort to implement.Establishing a daily routine helps reduce anxiety, improves self-confidence, and helps you get back on track.Take it from me, just as a workout routine helps our physical health, daily self-care helps calm chaotic thoughts, reminds us of daily goals, and restores balance. This post has been updated 4/16/19.

5 Self-care Skills You Need to Know

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1. Start your morning in a meditative way, because it sets the tone for the day. Make it a priority to start off easily and fluidly.For example, my biological clock wakes me without an alarm, so I’m not jolted out of bed. I take a few moments to stretch my body and get my blood moving. Then I spend quiet time in prayer, meditation, and journal writing.

I may read a spiritual book, say affirmations, or explore a color-visualization too. Each inspires me and helps reinforce what I've read, written, or envisioned. After I eat a nourishing breakfast, wash and brush, and spend a few moments to straighten up my home (make the bed, and chop up a salad for lunch, etc.), I get to work.

Note: I choose to use no electronic equipment for prayer, meditation, and journal writing. I prefer to connect with my higher wisdom and check in with myself in a minimalist way. When I keep self-care basic, I feel grounded in my body, mind, and spirit. Then, I set an intention for my day to be mindful and loving. Each time I think this way, I easily accept responsibility for my thoughts and actions, and release my "ego's need" to strive for results. If you like an app for yoga, meditation, prayer or other meditative routine, go for it. For me electronic equipment early in the day (5 am) just stirs me up and makes me tempted to text, or get sidetracked and go on a social media frenzy.2. Recognize that a Positive Attitude is Key. Be kind, present, self-caring, and nonjudgmental with yourself and others as you go through your daily activities. Full consciousness tends to reduce negativity, fear, and confusion. In addition, a no-attachment view of how people, things, and places need to be, reduces anxiety, uncertainty, and creates greater compassion.

3. Eat more fruits and veggies. Reserve time to prepare and eat healthy food. It’s a great way to practice self-care throughout the day. Top nutrition minds advise us to eat a variety of at least 5 to 9 servings of color-rich vegetables, legumes, beans, nuts, seeds, and fruit a day. Brightly colored low-fat plant-based whole foods aren't just visually appealing. Fruits and veggies are nature's way of highlighting a broad range of nutrients that boost health. In its original state, each vegetable or fruit is low in saturated fat, pleasing to the palette, filling, and doesn't make us feel overstuffed or sluggish. Research indicates eating whole food plant-based foods elevates mood and productivity.4. Include fun activities or periods of non-doing into your routine. Try this. Wear pink to brighten your complexion, warm your heart, feel love, or when you sense a need to nurture yourself.

Ask yourself… what things make me feel happy and part of the human race? Partake of those sports, clubs, religious or spiritual groups, social activities, or hobbies you enjoy as often as you can.

Nap time, real rest, and little breaks from work breathes space into your life. Pausing to kick back and relax, makes you feel more motivated and industrious, when you get back to tasks. Relaxation also elevates overall well-being. See How to Use Flowers and Plants to Increase Wellness for additional fun ideas.5. Strengthen your self-care routine by connecting to your inner life. What you say, think, or feel about yourself, has an impact on how well you treat yourself. Journal writing raises self-awareness, and helps you understand your reasoning, vulnerabilities, and strengths. Guided journal activities like those in Colors of Joyshow you how to shed negative self-talk and accentuate your assets.

Use affirmations, mantras, or other positive mind set outlets like combining shower power with affirmations. Putting these skills into practice is a simple way to shift energy from negative to positive. "When you develop healthy self-care habits, you put money in the upbeat bank. That pays off in feel-good vibes." Nancy Andres💗

Sometimes self-care is not enough. If you're experiencing life burnout, check out this article that lists symptoms, and seek professional help.Get treatment if you're dealing with addictions, financial problems, or other serious behavioral/health issues. Elizabeth Hartney, PhD states, “Most addictions have a serious impact on finances. In fact, financial problems are cited as a possible symptom of addiction for substance dependence and compulsive gambling.”The fact is, most of us haven’t totally thrown self-care out the window. My experience and most probably yours too, shows that we function best when we take good care of ourselves. I wish you abundance and joyful feelings each day, and encourage you to use self-care skills to make your health and happiness a lifestyle priority.

Please comment below and/or answer one of the questions that follows:

What self-care techniques work best for you and why? When you feel in a rut, how do you restore optimism? One way I do this, is to walk in nature or meet a friend for lunch. What self-care practices are you willing to try? Any I haven’t mentioned that work for you?Before you go I'd love to share a few links with you...